Our laboratory has two major research themes. The first is the
development and use of novel invertebrate model systems to identify and
characterize genetic and molecular aspects of host-pathogen
interactions for opportunistic human pathogens. These simple
host-pathogen model systems allow for the simultaneous investigation of
both microbial pathogenesis and host defense responses using whole
genome approaches. Focusing on the model genetic nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans, we have found that animals succumb to
infection after being exposed to several clinically important Gram
positive and Gram negative human pathogens, including
Staphylococcus aureus and Legionella pneumophila. We
are using these simple host-pathogen models to explore fundamental
questions regarding bacterial pathogenesis and innate immune response
to infection.

The second major research topic focuses on understanding the
molecular epidemiology of dissemination of multi-drug resistant
organisms (MDROs) in the hospital environment. We are particularly
interested in patterns of MDRO transmission and the contribution of
horizontal gene transfer to the spread of resistance. We are also
interested in understanding the clinical consequences of MDRO
infections and identifying effective methods to limit or curtail the
spread of resistant organisms and determinants. This line of
investigation is an extension of my work as the Hospital Epidemiologist
for the University of Virginia Health System.